Jetsettersblog

Buy your presents at fairs

The Christmas markets in Prague are considered the largest and most atmospheric in the Czech Republic. They will be open on Old Town Square from 26 November to 1 January. Stalls selling Christmas decorations, gift items, sweets, nativity sets and jewellery can be visited every day from 9 am till 7pm. On Saturday, 26 November at 5 pm don’t miss the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree. Other very popular Christmas market is located at Wenceslaus Square from 27 November to 1 January http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/home/index.html

Brno – the second largest Czech city – has traditionally Christmas markets that spread throughout the city centre – Náměstí Svobody, Zelný trh and Radnická street – from 25 November to 23 December. Christmas gifts, decorations, fish, cheese, “trdelník” (sweet pastry made from rolled dough usually topped with sugar and walnuts), and roasted chestnuts will be sold from the stalls. Visitors would be attracted by traditional Christmas goods, Christmas concerts and demonstrations of traditional crafts. The Christmas tree in Brno will be ceremoniously lighted on Freedom Square in the early evening on 25 November http://www2.brno.cz/index.php?lan=en

Other Czech Christmas markets worth a visit:

- Rožnov pod Radhoštěm Christmas market at the foothills of the Beskids in Moravian Wallachia opens from 10 December. The town is famous for its open-air folklore museum and Christmas market is always special here thanks to traditionally crafted gifts and rich folklore programme http://www.roznov.cz/the-town-of-roznov-p-r

- Český Krumlov – cultural programme, Christmas concerts and demonstration of gingerbread decorating will certainly add to the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Bohemia from 27 November to 6 January http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/kaktualita.xml

The Advent time will feature the communal lighting of the Christmas tree, carol singing, receiving gifts from St. Nicholas, and sending of letters to the Infant Jesus. The magical culmination of the pre-Christmas period is the live nativity scene in which the Biblical story will be acted out in singing, dancing and Christmas music. http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/atr176.xml

Christmas romance at castles and chateaux

Horšovský Týn
Straddling the banks of the Radbuza River in West Bohemia lies the town of Horšovský Týn. A true Old Bohemian Christmas fair and demonstration of a unique live nativity scene will be held here at the weekend of 18 December on the main square http://www.horsovskytyn.cz/

Hrubý Rohozec chateau in the North Bohemia will be again holding Christmas tours of its chambers this year. Enjoy noble Christmas atmosphere, experience how chateau owners celebrated Christmas in the old days, and see historical gifts. http://www.hruby-rohozec.eu/en/

Czech Christmas traditions and customs

The sweetest of Czech Christmas traditions is baking Christmas pastries. The special kinds called “beehives”, “bear paws”, Linzer cookies and vanilla crescents have all been baked in Czech households since long ago.

On Christmas Eve many people fast until the evening meal. Impatient children are promised to see a golden piglet if they manage to fast all day. Everyone gathers for family supper when the first star appears in the sky which is fortunately quite soon in December. Czech Christmas supper typically includes fish soup, potato salad and fried fish – carp. Several carp scales are traditionally placed under the plates to bring everyone wealth in the coming year. One extra plate is prepared on the table for a random guest. A popular custom is apple cutting. According to the pattern of the seeds inside the apple after cutting, we will learn of the health we will enjoy in the coming year. The shape of a star denotes good health, while a cross symbolises illness.

After the dinner all family meets in front of the Christmas tree where the presents were left by the Infant Jesus in the mean time. Everybody enjoys the festive evening with unwrapping the presents, enjoying Christmas pastries and company of their loved ones.

Welcome the New Year in the Czech Republic – fun in cities, relaxation in spas or mountains

On 31 December most Czech cities and towns prepare all-night programme either at the main squares or in clubs and restaurants culminating with large midnight fireworks.

If not fond of noise and many people head to Czech spas with their unforgettable charm. Savour the winter atmosphere of the last days in the year and find the renewed energy with the spa procedures http://www.czechtourism.com/holiday/Relaxation-holiday.aspx

Czech mountain resorts in Krkonoše (http://www.giant-mountains.info/).  Jizera (http://www.jizerky.cz/en/about-region/) , Šumava (http://www.sumava.cz/domu/ )  or Jeseníky (http://www.jeseniky.net/index.php?lang=en ) offer good value and quality accommodation and solid skiing or walking conditions. More and more foreign tourists spend the New Year’s Eve at picturesque mountain chalets and hotels.

Northumberland’s Eshott Hall Hotel has launched a gourmet break that gives passionate foodies the chance to eat and drink the best of the county’s produce and meet the people behind the region’s finest food. Onsite sampling of the famous Swallow Fish Smoked Kippers and grass fed Ingram Valley lamb, learning more about local liqueurs and artisan cheeses, visiting the local farmers market and creating canapés are on the menu from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th November.

To add to this non-stop array of tasting, tutorials and temptation, guests will enjoy the ingredients they have sampled during their tours in the delicious dishes created by the highly skilled chefs at Northumberland’s newest and most luxurious boutique hotel.

Since opening last year, this fine Georgian House www.eshott.com has quickly gained a reputation for the quality of its food. Under the guidance of Head Chef Chris Wood, the hotel features a constantly changing menu based around seasonal, local produce. The Hotel has its own kitchen garden so many of the herbs and vegetables are only minutes old when they hit the plate. During this two night break, which is priced at £240 per person (based on two people sharing), guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner followed by a chance to relax in their luxury accommodation before getting up to enjoy a full Northumbrian Breakfast the next morning.

Chris Wood is passionate about passing on his knowledge as he explains: “Northumberland’s varied countryside means we enjoy a rich and enviable palate from lamb from the rolling grassy hills of the Cheviots to freshly caught fish and seafood, rare breed pork, free range poultry and wild game. We also have artisan cheeses, breads and pickles, pies and puddings. Guests will see exactly where the ingredients for their meals have been grown, reared and produced before sitting down to enjoy them for dinner.”

The first day of the tour includes:
An introduction to Northumberland’s produce and a canapé demonstration.
A pre-dinner “call my quaff” style Wine and Cheese Tasting from the nearby award-winning Doddington Dairy. The cheese is made using traditional methods with milk from one of Northumberland’s few remaining dairy herds.
Gourmet Dinner including a local cheese board.

The second day incorporates:-
A behind the scenes tour of the renowned Swallow Fish of Seahouses to see the region’s famous kippers.
A visit to the Cheviots to see the place where the famous Ingram Valley Lamb is raised.
Guests will enjoy this local seafood and lamb at dinner.
After dinner tasting of local liqueurs, chocolates and confectionary.

After breakfast on their final day, guest are invited to take a tour to the Farmer’s Market in the historic market town of Alnwick giving them chance to stock up before their return home.

The Eshott Hall Gourmet break is £480.00 (based on 2 sharing) with an option of a 3rd night with dinner for only a further £180.

As the movie that inspired travel website Thelma & Louise turns 20, the online community and single traveller specialist Just You announce partnership

As the iconic film ‘Thelma & Louise’ celebrates its 20th birthday, www.thelmandlouise.com, the women’s online travel community inspired by the movie’s alternative heroines, is delighted to announce its new partnership with Just You, the UK’s number one company for single travellers.

The joint initiatives to celebrate the partnership will promote each other’s services to existing members and customers, and offer exclusive benefits for Thelma & Louise members who book onto one of a set list of tours with Just You.

The new partnership comes at an exciting time for Just You, as the news coincides with the launch of a new tour – an unmissable 16 day Route 66 road trip.

Ideal for anyone wanting to follow in the steps of the film’s dynamic duo Thelma and Louise, this amazing journey incorporates amazing scenery, exciting cities and numerous states as travellers cross the USA.

“The single traveller holidays on offer with Just You bring a great way for Thelma & Louise members to travel to exciting new places and make new friends along the way,” says Thelma & Louise co-founder, Christine Davies. “Our members love to explore, experience other cultures and meet new people. Just You opens up the world for women looking to travel and take on the world in safety and security.”

“The 20 years since the movie that inspired our company have seen a women’s role become ever more independent and travel become both easier and more accessible,” continued Davies. “Each month we welcome hundreds of new members all looking for their next adventure. I would like to think the characters of Thelma and Louise would be members of our site.”

To initiate the partnership, launch the Route 66 tour and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film, Thelma & Louise members who book on the new tour before 31 October 2011 will receive a Thelma & Louise: Special Edition DVD, featuring lots of special features such as a ‘making of’ documentary.

Just You has also highlighted five additional tours that Thelma & Louise members can book before 31 October 2011 and receive an exclusive benefit. Members will receive a complimentary pass to the Executive Guest Lounges at London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport (Terminals 1-4 only). The highlighted tours are a Prague City Break, Istanbul City Break, The Magic of Kenya, America’s National Parks & Canyons and The Wonders of China at Christmas.

“The idea behind Just You is to give single travellers opportunities to visit a full range of worldwide destinations with like-minded people, many of whom end up friends for life, with no single supplement or hidden extra charges,” says Andrew Dufty, Just You’s marketing director.

“The partnership with Thelma & Louise is therefore a natural fit, and we’re very excited to be launching it at the same time as some of our new iconic tours, Route 66 being a great example.”

Thelma & Louise connects like-minded women and provides the tools for them to talk, plan, meet, inspire, travel together and share their life experiences. For more information on Thelma & Louise and to become a member, please go to www.thelmandlouise.com

Just You is a leading tour operator for single travellers, and offers escorted tours and holidays around the globe. For more information on the tours available, please go to www.justyou.co.uk

rudechalets™ offer a “Super Saver Apartment Bundle”, all inclusive “Custom Weeks”, invest in fantastic in-chalet facilities and provide some original extras to help their ski and snowboard loving guests save money.

New “Super Saver Apartment Bundle” // A fantastic money saving deal developed for skiing and snowboarding newbies and for people who want to squeeze in an extra sneaky trip away to the mountains without spending too much cash. For just £289 pp/pw (based on 5 x people sharing) you get 7 nights self-catered accommodation in a pimped up rudechalets™ on-piste apartment in Avoriaz, 6 x day Avoriaz lift pass and return airport transfers from Geneva (any time arrival & departure to take advantage of the cheapest flights).

rudechalets™ (all inclusive) custom weeks // all specialist weeks are brilliant value and include the standard rudechalets™ fully catered package and a combination of discounted lift passes, snowboard rental & tuition:
The Burton snowboard Test Weekend (9th – 12th Dec): £299 inc. transfers, 3 nights catered accommodation, wine, lift pass, snowboard rental & mountain hosting;
rudegirls snowboard week (8th – 15th Jan): £699 pp/pw inc. transfers, catered accommodation, wine, snowboard tuition, snowboard rental, lift pass, yoga sessions & mountain hosting
Park, Pipe & Jib Tour (8th – 15th Apr): £499 pp/pw inc. transfers, catered accommodation, wine, freestyle snowboard tuition, lift pass, mountain hosting with Burton Sponsored rider

Tasty Gravis packed lunch service // To get more baguette for your Euro rudechalets™ are offering a very tasty money saving packed lunch service. For just 5 Euros a day freshly made lunches (including baguette, chocolate bar, crisps & drink) are packed in a stylish GRAVIS Hubble Bag and delivered to the chalets before 9am. BARGAIN!

Fantastic in-chalet entertainment // All Rude Chalets have great entertainment facilities and a relaxed, sociable vibe which encourages guests to stay in the chalet to party / relax rather than going out into town and spend money. For the ultimate in après ski entertainment all catered chalets have Guitar Hero ® 5 and DJ Hero™ curtsey of XBOX and Activision. There are also table footballs, media centres, free wifi, XBOX 360s / flat screens in all bedrooms and all but one of the chalets have an outdoor hot tub.

Complementary Red Bull for all rudechalets™ guests // Thanks to the lovely guys at Red Bull UK every catered Rude Chalet has a fully stocked Red Bull fridge so guests can grab some wiiings before they head up the mountain. As well as providing a much needed mid-day energy boost it is also a fantastic alternative to buying chocolate bars / cans of coke on the piste (which will generally set you back 2 or 3 Euros a piece).

Unlimited wine // A lot of catered chalets only offer complementary wine with dinner, however rudechalets™ offer unlimited wine from afternoon tea onwards which means their guests can come straight off the mountain and enjoy après-ski drinks back at the chalet rather than spending their hard-earned ski £s the bars & cafes in town. (rudechalets™ have selected good wines for our guests – Red Merlot, White Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc and chalet hosts will also make cockle warming vin chaud upon request)

Airport transfers and anytime arrival // All rudechalets™ catered holidays include return airport transfers from Geneva. Guests can arrive / depart at any time meaning they can take advantage of the cheaper early morning / late night flights.

Note to the editors:

Since 2002 rudechalets™ has established its name as one of the most über-fun chalet brands in the Alps, consistently investing in new ways to keep their snowboarding and skiing guests happier than Larry himself. Founding Partner and Director Chris Lavender says, “For the price, quality, location and facilities included you will be hard pushed to find a better mountain holiday experience.”
rudechalets™ were voted Number 2 ‘Best Chalet and Chalet Operator’ in the UK Snow Awards, and featured in the Guardian’s top 5 Chalets.

An extraordinary exhibition, covering five centuries of art history opens at the Sismondo Castle, Rimini on 21st January 2012 offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore an undiscovered part of the city and to admire world famous art. The exhibition, entitled From Vermeer to Kandinsky runs until 3rd June 2012.

The exhibition has been organised by Linea d’ombra and covers illustrated by works from the mid 15th up to the 20th Century.

The historic centre of Rimini is the perfect match for the exhibition, with its mix of ancient and modern culture. The city is full of architectural masterpieces: from archaeological sites dating back to the Roman Empire, such as the ‘domus del chirurgo’ – the surgeon’s house – and works of renaissance art, to the modern architecture of Volkwin Marg.

A € 6 City Pass gives art lovers access to all corners of the city and provides some fantastic discounts and offers. The card gets you in to city museums, gives you discounts on tours and reductions at museum bookshops. It will even give you special prices on beach wellbeing events such as spa treatments and Yoga on a boat.

The City Pass, which was due to expire this September, has been so successful that it has been extended until the end of the year and has been updated with new offers and opportunities.

Rimini City Pass also includes “Club Cittàmica” which allows visitors to enjoy discounts and special offers for cultural and entertainment venues, including discounted entry to amusement parks and museums in the inland region, in some shops and on rental of pedal boats, sailing boats – and even taxi fares.

Revitalise your face or body in the clear mountain air of Lake Garda in Italy and save up to GBP304 (350 Euros). Lefay Resort & Spa on Lake Garda is offering a 30% discount (representing savings of up to GBP 304) on a three night stay with a body or face wellness programme.

Each programme includes new pioneering vibrational beauty treatments using an athermic, painless and non-invasive LED infrared light. The light is applied to the skin allowing cells to absorb the light, restoring the cell’s energy and rejuvenating the tissues.

The Perfect Body programme includes an initial consultation and personalised programme; a Ricordo purifying treatment where the skin is delicately exfoliated using extracts of lavender and burdock to promote cell renewal; two targeted vibrational treatments aimed at either toning, draining or firming; and a Lefay Spa energy massage.

The Perfect Face programme uses non-invasive oxygen therapy – a new development which has proved very effective in the treatment of skin. Oxygen therapy uses a hyperbaric oxygen concentrator to transport active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, staminal, vitamins and antioxidants into the deepest layers of the skin. The technique is painless, has no side effects and leaves no marks. The benefits are visible and immediate and deliver better skin texture, a reduction in wrinkles and skin dyschromia, improvement in non-uniform skin pigmentation and the prevention of breakage of capillaries.

The Perfect Face programme also features a Unico Cielo facial preparation treatment that unblocks the pores and stimulates cell turnover and a vibrational anti-ageing lifting treatment.

Lefay Resort & Spa has developed its own spa method combining Chinese medicine and Western techniques, which are unique and innovative. Guests can follow a detoxifying reduced-calorie menu, which offers food that is low in calories but has all the goodness and natural flavours of the Mediterranean cuisine.

Three nights accommodation in a Prestige Junior Suite, daily breakfast and dinner plus the Perfect Face or Body package now costs from GBP508 (585 Euros) per person including the 30% saving on accommodation. The offer is available until 6 December 2011.

For reservations and more information visit www.lefayresorts.com

Chocoholics have the chance to extend national Chocolate Week and indulge their passion for the dark stuff in a totally hands-on way in the South Lakes by heading to the Lake District cookery school, LucyCooks.

The cookery school is laying on a scrumptious half-day cookery course on October 20, which will allow attendees to engage in sensuous aroma addiction, surreptitious tasting and gratuitous spoon and finger licking!

Learning how to handle chocolate (without eating it!) is part and parcel of this course, but skills to take home will include those of being able to create chocolate cups, sauce, mousses and truffle, dust, coat, roll and heat chocolate, make petit fours and even hot knifing!

The course, which runs from 1pm to 5pm costs just £65 for tuition, temptation, lunch and a goody bag of chocolate treats to take home. If you can’t attend in person, it makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to give a chocolate lover a little bit of paradise as a treat or thank you.

The LucyCooks Chocolate Workshop is suitable for the eager amateur of any skills level. Book on www.lucycooks.co.uk  or 01539 822507 and let chocolate melt your heart. You can always then extend your chocolate love by visiting the famous 1657 Chocolate Shop in Kendal!

From award winning contemporary houses and traditional country manors to catered ski chalets and stunning city apartments

With thoughts already turning to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, if you’re hoping to go away with a group of friends or family this year, be sure to book well advance. On HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, there are around 250 UK properties that can sleep 10 or more still available to rent for Christmas and New Year. There’s plenty of choice for those in search of a non-UK trip too, with more than 33,000 large private homes available to rent worldwide for the festive season.

Renting a private holiday home is the ideal way to spend some relaxing, quality time together, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Play games and watch films around the fire, ski or go for invigorating walks, or simply enjoy long lazy meals together. With individual bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and spacious living and dining areas, as well as luxurious extras such as games rooms, saunas or even home cinemas and pools, holiday homes provide the ideal setting for a group getaway.

If you team up with family and friends renting a luxury home can be very reasonable, so why not treat yourselves to an incredible festive getaway this year. Choose some of the best rentals from the Top 10 below or browse www.HomeAway.co.uk  for more.

Prices quoted are per property per week for Christmas 2011 and New Year’s Eve and were correct at the time of going to press.

Top 10 large houses for Christmas and New Year’s Eve on HomeAway.co.uk

UK

Award winning contemporary house, set in 6 acres on the Isle of Wight
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 11. £6,495 per week

SeaGlass is situated in an outstanding location above Gurnard bay, near the famous sailing town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. With 180 degree sea views towards the New Forest this discreet property enjoys one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Its layout and interior design suggest a wonderful 21st century twist on ’60s Californian chic. The main glass room measures 55ft x 25ft with an expansive teak deck on one side and the sheltered white granite courtyard on the other. The grounds include a number of terraces and eating areas, with a swimming pool and BBQ area.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p832530

Beautiful large period property in Suffolk
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. £4,000 per week

The Cedars is a large period property of over 5000 sqft with large reception rooms enabling everyone to find a quiet space to unwind. The house caters for both adults and children with its play room and climbing frames to keep the children occupied whilst the adults relax or play pool. The house features drawing and sitting rooms with log burners, a large dining room seating 12, as well as a separate kitchen dining table in the conservatory that seats six. The conservatory has a seating area, television and a snooker table. Catering and pampering packages can be arranged on request.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p497692

Contemporary house with sea views in North Cornwall
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £2,750 per week
Atlantic Reach is a modern house, just a stone’s throw from the Widemouth Beach. Equipped to a very high standard, the house features two king bedrooms and three twin bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining room leading on to a spacious lounge with leather sofas and log burner and a large dining table seating 10. The garden, with its great views of the bay, is accessed through the lounge’s French doors and has a terraced patio area with large table and chairs, gas barbecue and an outside tap for swilling off those wetsuits after a day on the sand.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p437947

Luxurious Victorian villa ideal for large family gatherings in Scotland
7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 14. £2,100 per week

Situated in one of Stirling’s most picturesque Victorian suburbs amid broad tree lined avenues with views to the Old Town skyline, Castleview, a Victorian villa, was recently refurbished, but still retains its original, stylish character. The original billiard room provides a great room equipped with billiard table, board games, books and a separate downstairs television room has Freeview TV and a selection of DVDs and videos. The rear south facing garden contains a climbing frame with swings, various outdoor toys and a large south facing terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p864341

Detached country house in a tranquil rural setting, Northumberland
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. £2,050 per week

This is an elegant, stone-built, detached, country house with the main house dating back to 1584. Situated in the tranquil hamlet of Eltringham, home to Thomas Bewick the world renowned lithographer, the house stands in an acre of mature, gated and private gardens, with unrestricted views along the Tyne Valley. Since 2001, the house has been extensively refurbished and modernised while retaining and restoring many of its period features. The house is centrally heated throughout and has a wood burning fireplace and two gas operated open grate fires. The stone-flagged entrance hall leads to a drawing room and dining room, each with marble fireplaces and bay windows. There is parking for up to ten cars on the gated gravel drive.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p499114

ABROAD

Switzerland
Authentic late 19th century chalet in Valais
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15. £7,369 per week

This is a magnificent and typical full timber chalet built on four levels in 1902, totally renovated yet keeping its authentic charm. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, a main living room for 15 people, a second living room with library and games, a third living room with piano and a spa area on the ground floor as well as a carnotzet and bar for your own private après ski.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p839265

France
Fully catered ski chalet in Haute-Savoie

6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15. From £596 per person for a fully catered week
Chalet Shufu has an ideal location in the massive ‘Portes du Soleil’ ski area. This purpose-built ski chalet is close to Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets, an easy walk to the village resort centre of St. Jean d’Aulps and only just over one hour from Geneva in the French Alps. All bedrooms are en-suite and the chalet has a bar and dining area, as well as a cosy living area with log fire.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p55855

Caribbean
Exceptional villa with pool, games room and stunning views in St Vincent & Grenadines

4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9. £5,183 per week
This sophisticated property is situated in beautiful tropical gardens at the top of Spring, offering panoramic views to the coconut groves and the bay and ocean towards the other Grenadine Islands. Cool and comfortable, the living and entertaining spaces have been designed to offer the highest level of accommodation. The property consists of one main house, an outhouse and separate games building, all connected via a stunning pool and tropical gardens, as well as a private swimming pool, and impressive snooker table and an elegant terrace providing the perfect venue for alfresco dining.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p389156

Poland
Rustic, sophisticated apartment in Krakow
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £863 per week
A rustic, elegant apartment with private sauna located between the two main social nightlife attractions in Krakow, the Old Town and Kazimierz. Entering it from the hall, the living room has a massive door entrance designed to look as a stylish frame of a rustic picture. The decorative wall across the room features unusual brick design and creates a stunning picture in picture effect. The dining area features handmade ceramic lamps hanging over a beautiful oak table. The apartment neighbours two other apartments that can be rented out, which means that a group of up to 22 people can be accommodated in one location.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p68453

Spain
Stunning apartment by the sea in Barcelona
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. £255 per person per week

This is a magnificent luxury duplex penthouse of 180 sqm located in a residential area of Barcelona’s most fashionable district. The property gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day and offers spectacular views of the sea and the city from the living and dining areas, as well as from the large terrace.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p451791

The coastline of Wales covers 1317.26 miles – further than Cardiff to Athens.
Cosy coves, rocky headlands, miles of golden sands, rock pools and coast paths.

Our coastline is drop dead gorgeous – and in autumn you practically have it to yourself.

It is the time of year when locals get their kites out and head for the beach. Surfers still hit the waves – maybe because our October waters still hold the build up of the summers heat – or maybe in hope of seeing the seal colonies that are multiplying at this time of year.

Quality Cottages asked its team for their top 3 favourite houses with sea views – a cosy atmosphere to come home to was a priority and a good beach nearby for kite flying!

1) Pentir House, Cardigan Bay, West Wales
Huge picture windows with a log fire to cosy up to without moving from the view across the bay to the blue flag beach at Poppit.
Poppit sands ticks the box for kite flying and surfing- and some fabulous dunes give shelter for a picnic lunch – or just for kids to explore!

A glorious part of the coast path is nearby. Seal pups are being born right now in caves along the Cardigan Bay coastline so sightings should be easy.

A resident pod of bottlenose dolphins live in the bay – could it get any better?
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients at The Daffodil in Penrhiwllan, Browse the rails at the uber -cool clothing shop, Howies in nearby Cardigan.

3 bedrooms sleeping 6
£575 winter week
£433 2-day stay
http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk/luxury-holiday-house-gwbert.htm

2) Awelon, Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales

Undoubtedly the finest location on the Lleyn Peninsula with sweeping views of beaches and bays and mountain views including the whole of the Snowdonia range.

3 wood burning stoves to cosy up around, and with such great views on your doorstep, picture windows naturally take advantage of the views!

The 84-mile Lleyn Peninsula Coastal Path is accessed right by the cottage.
Join a surf school at Abersoch. Fly a kite at Hells’ Mouth.

Dine at Porth Tocyn Restaurant, Abersoch (in the Good Food Guide every year since 1957!)

5 bedrooms sleeping 12
Winter weeks: £815
Xmas/New Year: £1825 – £2085
http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk/ref1154.htm

3) St Justinians bungalow, St Davids, South-West Wales
Soak up the views across the Ramsey Sound, which is awash with little fishing boats, and pods of porpoise and dolphins, (even the occasional whale!).
Portstinian cove is on your doorstep for trip to Ramsey Island, a must at this time of year – the height of the seal pup season. Colonies of birds also land here to nest in the high cliffs.

A folly in the garden with a cosy wood burner offers a perfect retreat!
The blue flag beach at Whitesands is nearby – a favourite with us for kite flying – and surfing!

Sample home -made locally sourced ice cream at The Bench in St Davids.

7 bedrooms sleeping 16
£1475 winter weeks
£2500 per week Xmas & New Year
Short breaks by request
http://www.qualitycottages.co.uk/ref921.htm

The Yorkshire Dales’ newest four-star hotel has launched a campaign to attract “Leap Year Weddings” in 2012.

The Coniston Hotel, which is situated in 1,400 acres of beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside, including a 24 acre lake, is already a popular wedding venue. Recognising that 2012 is a Leap Year, and that marriage proposals are as likely to be made by women as by men, the hotel has launched a number of special rates and packages to make it easy – and great value – to arrange a wedding in “Olympics Year”.

For blushing brides-to-be that may wish to get down on one knee this Christmas, The Coniston Hotel is offering special rates on Winter Weddings in January, February and March. Couples who want to celebrate their wedding at the hotel during these months will receive a 10% reduction on the whole wedding bill. Valentines is also a popular time for proposals, as will be 29th February 2012, and for couples who agree to take the plunge on a week-day wedding in 2012, there will be a 15% reduction off the wedding bill at The Coniston.

The hotel will officially launch their Leap Year packages at a special Wedding Open Day which takes place at the hotel on Sunday 30th October. During the day, couples will be able to sip Champagne and sample the food from the hotel’s wedding menus whilst meeting a wide range of other trusted weddings suppliers from the area. More information is available from Victoria Yates at The Coniston on 01756 748080.